At a ceremony at the Egerton Inn, last Monday, Biddulph Rotary Past President ,Martin Gravestock, presented the Acorn Awards to four of five winners of 2018.

Some years ago Biddulph Rotary took over the running and administration of the Acorn Awards Trust, and has been making the awards to the winners at an annual ceremony.
The Rebecca Harris Trust which originally administered the Acorn Awards was started in 1989 by Frank Harris in memory of his daughter, who tragically died young in a road accident..

The Awards are open to any young person (up to 23years of age) from Biddulph who has made a significant achievement in the sporting, academic or artistic field. Alternatively to a young person who has performed an act of unusual perseverance, courage or service to others.

The three successful nominees receive a framed certificate together with the annual trophy and cheque of £150 for the winner and £75 for each of the two runners-up. An award of a certificate and a cheque for £200 can also be made to a designated group of young people who satisfy the criteria, nominated by a responsible adult.

The Winner of the trophy, this year was Oliver Machin who was nominated by the Principal of Woodhouse Academy for the outstanding academic and social progress he has made from a very unpromising start. He also acts as a willing and devoted carer for his disabled older brother. Unfortunately, Oliver could not be present for the award.

The two runners up were:

Flossie James who has been a valuable member of the Biddulph Youth Orchestra for several years and has become an accomplished musician, playing the trumpet, piano and the recorder. She is also a brilliant singer. In addition to her musical excellence she is a devoted carer, whilst also studying for her GCSEs.

Leah Rutter, is a valuable leader of the volunteer group that supports the work of the Biddulph Youth & Community Zone. She spends a lot of her spare time in unselfish efforts to raise money and is a reliable and committed organiser of other events.

The Group award went to Owen Boyer and Ashton Cartwright who have been involved with the charity, CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) since the tragic death of their friend Jordan Bundred. They have worked tirelessly in fundraising work on behalf of CRY, and have taken part in bikathons, swimathons, mountain climbing and bag packing, over the last two years, in the aid of the charity, raising the magnificent total of £75,000.

Rtn. Steve Biggins.